Understanding the Knowledge, Practices, and Production Levels of Rice Farmers in Samar, Philippines

This paper aims to evaluate the knowledge, practices, and production levels of rice farmers and identify their significant factors using statistical models. The study involved 84 rice farmers in Barangay Barobaybay, Calbiga, Samar, Philippines, with the aid of complete enumeration sampling. Primary and cross-sectional data were gathered using the researchers' developed questionnaire based on the current literature. Using a quantitative research design, the data were analysed using descriptive statistical measures, correlation analysis, and ordinal regression modelling. Results suggested that, on average, rice farmers' perceived level of knowledge (M=4.37; SD=0.39), practices (M=4.32; SD=0.41), and production (M=4.29; SD=0.39) in farming are considered very high. This implies that rice farmers display strong knowledge, effective farming practices, and efficient production processes. The correlation analysis revealed that farmers' knowledge, practices, and production levels are highly correlated with each other. This indicates that farmers' knowledge is vital to their farming practices by adopting technologies that positively influence their productivity. Moreover, the ordinal regression revealed that tenure status (being a tenant farmer) is a significant (at a 10% level) predictor of farmers' knowledge, practices, and production activities. Notably, to support rice farmers who lease land, the government should promote policies that provide more secure land tenure, encouraging long-term investment in farming. Moreover, the study suggests that future interventions and support programs should promote innovative and advanced techniques to ensure the continued growth and success of rice farming in the region.